Do Doodling
Green highlight

Create a page of imaginative doodles using pens, pencils, and simple patterns; practice observational drawing, creativity, and relaxing focus with step-by-step ideas.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to create imaginative doodles

What you need
Coloring materials such as markers crayons colored pencils, eraser, paper, pen, pencil, ruler optional

Step 1

Gather your Paper Pencil Pen Eraser and Coloring materials.

Step 2

Place your paper flat on the table.

Step 3

Warm up your fingers by making quick squiggles loops and dots across the top of the page for one minute.

Step 4

Choose one small object in the room to look at closely.

Step 5

Draw that object lightly with your pencil in the middle of the page using simple shapes.

Step 6

Add repeating simple patterns like stripes waves and dots around the object.

Step 7

Turn three of your patterns into imaginative doodle creatures by adding eyes legs or wings.

Step 8

Connect your creatures and other doodles with lines little scenes or pathways.

Step 9

Fill any empty spaces with tiny shapes or mini patterns to balance the page.

Step 10

Color some areas of your doodles to make them pop.

Step 11

Trace the strongest lines of your drawings with your pen.

Step 12

Erase leftover pencil marks gently.

Step 13

Write your name or draw a small signature on the page.

Step 14

Share your finished doodle page on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have some materials like a pen, eraser, or coloring supplies?

If you don't have a pen or eraser listed in the materials, use a fine‑tip marker or dark colored pencil to trace the strongest lines (step 9) and a kneaded eraser or a soft piece of bread to lift pencil marks (step 11), while crayons, watercolor, or cut magazine scraps work fine instead of traditional coloring materials.

My pencil lines keep smudging or look too dark when I try to pen them—how can I fix that?

If your doodle becomes too smudged or your pencil lines are too heavy before tracing (steps 4 and 9), redraw the object more lightly in step 4, let pen ink dry fully after step 9, and then erase leftover pencil marks gently in step 11 while placing a scrap of paper under your hand to avoid further smudges.

How can I adapt this doodling activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children shorten the warm‑up squiggle minute (step 3) to 20–30 seconds and have them use very simple shapes and big patterns (steps 4–6), while older kids can add tiny patterns to fill spaces (step 8), refine creature details in step 6, or turn the page into a timed illustrated scene challenge.

What are simple ways to extend or personalize the finished doodle page?

To personalize and extend the project, scan or photograph the finished page after signing (step 12) to make stickers or a digital collage, connect doodle creatures across multiple pages into a story (steps 6–7), or add metallic pens, collage elements, or layered textures before tracing and erasing (steps 9–11).

Watch videos on how to create imaginative doodles

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Beginner's Guide to Cute Doodles: 26 Adorable Designs to Draw | Easy and Fun Drawing Tutorial

4 Videos

Facts about drawing and sketching for kids

✏️ A single standard pencil can draw a line roughly 35 miles (56 km) long if used until the graphite is gone.

🖊️ A 2009 study found that people who doodled during a boring task remembered about 29% more information than those who didn't — doodling can help focus!

🧠 Famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso filled notebooks with quick sketches and doodles that helped them develop big ideas.

🌈 The word “doodle” dates back to the 17th century and originally meant a simpleton or fool before becoming the playful drawing we love today.

🌀 The Zentangle method of patterned, meditative drawing was developed in the early 2000s and is used worldwide to relax and spark creativity.

How do I teach my child to do doodling step by step?

To do doodling with a child, set up a comfortable workspace and give them thick paper and pens or pencils. Start with a 5-minute warm-up: draw circles, lines, and simple shapes. Ask them to look around and pick one object to add, then fill empty spaces with repetitive patterns (zigzags, dots, spirals). Encourage connecting shapes into characters or scenes, add light shading or color, and finish by sharing the story behind the doodles.

What materials do I need for a kid-friendly doodling activity?

Gather simple, affordable supplies: plain paper or a sketchbook, pencils, erasers, fine-tip pens, washable markers, and colored pencils. Add a ruler, stamps, or sticker sheets for variety, plus scrap paper for warm-ups. Use non-toxic, washable materials for younger children and a tray or mat to protect surfaces. Most items are household basics, making doodling easy to start anywhere.

What ages is doodling suitable for?

Doodling suits almost every age. Toddlers (2–4) enjoy free scribbling and simple shapes; preschoolers (4–6) can follow patterns and draw recognizable objects; school-age kids (7–12) refine observational doodles and storytelling; teenagers can explore more detailed techniques and personal style. Adapt prompts, tool size, and supervision to skill level. Doodling supports beginners through teens — make it low-pressure and fun.

What are the benefits of doodling for children?

Doodling boosts creativity, observational skills, and fine motor coordination while offering calming focus. It helps children practice pattern recognition, visual storytelling, and hand-eye control. Short, open-ended doodle sessions reduce stress and improve concentration, especially before tasks like reading or homework. Regular doodling builds confidence and risk-free experimentation with style and ideas, making it a low-cost, high-impact activity for development and relaxation.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

Do Doodling. Activities for Kids.